Ways To Give

The Cora Hartshorn Arboretum relies on contributions from members, friends, corporations and foundations to support its operations. While fees from programs and memberships cover much of the cost of our educational offerings and preservation of our 16.5 acres of trails and grounds, donations allow us to enhance our existing programming, rehabilitate the woodlands and plan for our future. All contributions are tax-deductible as provided by law.

Gifts can be made in honor of an individual or organization. Additionally, gifts can be made in memory of a deceased person. In these cases, the Arboretum will send a note to the individual and/or family you specify with information about the gift. Acknowledgement will also be made in the Arboretum’s Annual Report of Gifts.

Many companies match donations made by their employees to nonprofit organizations. If yours does, please submit the required paperwork along with your contribution, and the Arboretum will handle the rest.

Although most people first think of writing a check when making a contribution, there are other means of giving. Many offer substantial tax savings. Please consult your tax advisor for specifics that relate to your personal situation.

Appreciated stock

Appreciated stock can provide an attractive means of giving that may allow donors to avoid capital gains tax liability.

Life Insurance

The Arboretum may be named as the beneficiary of a policy or ownership of the policy may be transferred to the Arboretum.

Real Estate

Real estate can be an excellent gift because the donor may both claim an income tax deduction for the value of the gift and avoid paying a capital gains tax on the appreciation of the property.

Life Income Gifts

Donors can make a gift of cash, securities, or other assets and receive both income for life and a current charitable tax deduction in return. A variety of trust arrangements can facilitate such a gift.

Bequest

A bequest in a will is another means of contributing to the Arboretum. A bequest can be in the form of a dollar amount, specified asset, and/or a percentage of property remaining in your estate. The following language can be used in a will to make a bequest: “I give (the sum of ____ dollars), (all or ____ percent of the residuary of my estate) to Cora Hartshorn Arboretum, Short Hills, N.J., for its general purposes.”

Retirement Plans

At the death of the beneficiary, the remainder of retirement plan(s) can be heavily taxed. The bulk of the tax burden may be avoided if the value of the plan is bequeathed to a non-profit organization, such as the Arboretum.

Planned Giving

There are a number of options that provide tax advantages while benefiting the Arboretum.

For more information about donating to the Arboretum please contact us via e-mail or phone 973-376-3587.